Donald Scott Herman, 69, a well-known local businessman and lifetime area resident, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2004, at Kingston City Hospital after a long illness. He resided at River Road, Ulster Park and lived in New Paltz for many years. He maintained a vacation home in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Born July 26, 1934, in Cornwall, he was the son of the late Ralph C. Herman and Erma C. Myers of Newburgh. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Herman was sheriff of Orange County. Donald was a descendant of Robert Fulton.

He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy hi 1952 and from New York Maritime College, Fort Schuyler, N.Y., in 1956 as Ensign; shipped with United States lines as a 3rd officer. He was owner of the Ralph C. Herman Company in Marlboro.

Don was a former member of the Associated Equipment Distributors; Adonai Lodge #718 F&AM, Highland; Marlboro Yacht Club; a former Deacon of the New Paltz Reformed Church; a member of the Paltz Club; the American Clock Assoc.; served on the Board of Directors of the Southern Ulster Chambers of Commerce. He enjoyed collecting and restoring and shared boating, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and motorcycling with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Hedy who resides at Ulster Park; also a sister, Diane Novales of Marlboro; a son, Scott of Milton; a daughter, Bonnie Lester of LaGrange; a son, Douglas Lester of Marlboro; and two granddaughters, Kelly Sinclaire DuBois of Shady, N.Y., and Jemma Lester of Marlboro; two nieces, Denise McVeigh of Marlboro and Debbie Kates of Delaware; two great-grandsons, Miles and Marion DuBois of Shady; and two great-nephews, Patrick McVeigh and Jeremy Kates; and a grandniece, Nicole McVeigh.